Direct genetic selection for a specific RNA-protein interaction

Maria P. Macwilliams, Daniel W. Celander, Jeffrey F. Gardner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The decision between lytic and lysogenic development of temperate DNA bacteriophages is determined largely by transcriptional regulation through DNA-binding proteins. To determine whether a heterologous RNAbinding activity could control the developmental fate of a DNA bacteriophage, a derivative of P22 was constructed in which the chosen developmental pathway is regulated by an RNA-binding molecule interacting with its RNA target site located in a phage mRNA. In the example presented, lysogenic development of the phage relies upon R17 coat protein expression in the susceptible host cell and the availability of a suitable coat protein binding site encoded by the phage genome. Through the analysis of phage mutants that are able to grow lytically in susceptible cells that express the coat protein, additional insights were obtained regarding the specific interaction of the R17 coat protein with its RNA binding site. This study also suggests a novel and extremely sensitive strategy for selecting RNA-binding activities in vivo.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)5754-5760
Number of pages7
JournalNucleic acids research
Volume21
Issue number24
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 11 1993

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Genetics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Direct genetic selection for a specific RNA-protein interaction'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this